对比立体定向放射治疗与射频消融治疗肝细胞癌效果的Meta分析

目的全面收集国内外立体定向放射治疗（SBRT）和射频消融（RFA）治疗肝细胞癌（HCC相关研究文献,通过Meta分析系统比较这两种治疗方法的临床效果及相关并发症。方法 计算机检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、Scopus、Web of Science以及中国生物医学文献（CBM）、知网、万方、维普等中英文数据库自建库至2022年6月发表的SBRT和RFA临床治疗HCC文献。采用Stata 14.0软件进行Meta分析。结果 共纳入14项回顾性研究6 806例患者。基于总生存期（OS）的综合风险比（HR）结果显示SBRT术后OS低于RFA术后（HR=1.25,95%CI=1.10～1.43,I2=0%,P=0.000 9）,而局部控制（LC）比率的综合HR显示SBRT有更好的疗效（HR=0.61,95%CI=0.47～0.78,I2=0%,P=0.000 1）。亚组分析显示,LC比率的综合HR更支持对肿瘤直径>2 cm患者行SBRT(HR=2.64,95%CI=1.56～4.48,I2=0%,P=0.000 3)。SBRT组与RFA组间晚期严重不良反...     

射频消融和氩氦刀冷冻消融治疗Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌的安全性和疗效对比研究

【摘要】 目的 对比分析射频消融（RFA）与氩氦刀冷冻消融治疗Ⅰ期非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）的安全性和有效性。方法 回顾性分析2013年1月至2016年12月在郑州大学第一附属医院收治的60例行RFA或氩氦刀冷冻消融治疗的Ⅰ期NSCLC患者临床病理资料。对比分析两组患者并发症发生率、术后无瘤生存期（DFS）、总生存期（OS）。结果 RFA组（35例）和氩氦刀治疗组（25例）患者治疗前的临床基线资料差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。RFA组的手术时间短于氩氦刀治疗组（P＜0.05）;术后住院时间无差异。RFA组总并发症发生率与氩氦刀冷冻消融组相比,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）,但气胸与胸腔积液发生率均低于氩氦刀治疗组（P＜0.05）,而术中疼痛发生率高于氩氦刀治疗组（P＜0.05）,差异有统计学意义;术后发热、出血等在两组间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。两组患者的1年、3年、5年DFS和OS差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论 氩氦刀冷冻消融与RFA治疗Ⅰ期NSCLC患者具有相近的安全性和疗效,可以作为Ⅰ期NSCLC治疗的一种替代选择。     

经皮微波消融治疗甲状腺良性结节吸收率影响因素分析

目的 探讨甲状腺良性结节微波消融（MWA）后结节吸收率,分析与结节吸收率相关的内部因素（结节超声表现）和外部因素（治疗相关表现）。方法 评估2016年1月至2018年1月期间接受MWA治疗的173例患者的173个甲状腺良性结节,中位体积4.23(2.27～9.00) mL。以第二年随访为终点,根据结节体积缩小特征,分为不完全吸收组（<100%体积缩小率）和完全吸收组（100%体积缩小率）。分析MWA后影响结节体积缩小的内部因素和外部因素。结果 几乎所有结节在MWA后体积明显缩小,73个结节在MWA后24个月达到100%体积缩减,即吸收率100%。随访1、6、12和24个月时,所有甲状腺良性结节的体积缩小率分别为18.0%, 78.7%, 89.0%, 94.5%。多因素分析显示,结节体积[校正后OR(AOR)=1.1,95%CI:1.0～1.2,P=0.04]、结节边缘（AOR=4.4,95%CI:1.4～13.8,P=0.01）、结节单位体积消融能量（AOR=1.0,95%CI:1.0～1.0, P<0.01）和结节外周血流阻塞（AOR=2.9,95%CI:1.1～7.4...     

微波消融与手术治疗结直肠癌肝转移临床疗效的meta分析

【摘要】 目的 比较MWA和肝切除术（HR）治疗结直肠癌肝转移（CRLM）患者的临床疗效。方法 利用计算机辅以人工检索维普、万方、中国知网、Embase、Cochrane library、Pubmed等有关数据库中关于MWA与HR治疗CRLM患者疗效的临床对照研究,检索日期为2000年1月1日至2020年9月5日。由2名评估人员独立的筛选文献,提取资料并进行质量评价,利用RevMan 5.3软件做出meta分析。结果 最终纳入13篇文献,其中回顾性队列研究8篇,病例对照研究3篇,随机对照研究2篇。共计1 470例患者包括MWA组662例,HR组808例。meta分析表明,MWA组与HR组的1年（OR=1.09,95%CI=0.69～1.73）、2年（OR=1.04,95%CI=0.72～1.52）、3年（OR=1.07,95%CI=0.83～1.38）、5年（OR=0.78,95%CI=0.57～1.05）生存率及1年（OR=0.66,95%CI=0.41～1.07）、3年（OR=0.87,95%CI=0.61～1.25）、5年（OR=0.77,95%CI=0.47～1.26）无瘤生存率比较,差异无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）;与HR组患者相比,MWA组患者的住院治疗时间短且治疗费用低,严重临床并发症发生率低,两组差异有统计学意义（均P≤0.05）。结论 MWA与HR治疗CRLM患者疗效相仿,且MWA可缩短住院时间、降低治疗费用、减少严重并发症的出现,但未来仍需大规模、前瞻性、多中心试验进一步证实。     

肝癌射频和微波热消融治疗的肿瘤免疫学进展

射频消融(radiofrequency ablation,RFA)和微波消融(mi- crowave ablation,MWA)是肝癌的微创治疗方法,取得了很好的临床疗效。小肝癌患者射频消融与手术治疗随机对照研究的存活率和复发率无显著性差异,同样能达到根治性治疗效果,Ⅰa期小肝癌的近期疗效尚优于手术切除。射频和微波消融对比研究表明,两种治疗方法的主要临床疗效指标和并发症等均无明显差异。射频和微波消融治疗不仅能直接使肿瘤细胞凝固坏死,原位彻底灭活肝癌组织,而且还能提高肿瘤局部和外周血中免疫细胞数量及其抗肿瘤功能,现就它们在肝癌治疗中的有关肿瘤免疫学方面进展做以介绍。     

水隔离技术对降低肝被膜下肿瘤微波消融术后残存的效果评价

目的探索水隔离技术是否可降低肝被膜下恶性肿瘤行微波消融术(MWA)后肿瘤残存。方法回顾性分析2015年7月至2019年2月诊断为肝被膜下恶性肿瘤(原发性肝癌或肝转移瘤)并行影像引导下MWA治疗102例患者,共122个肿瘤,根据肿瘤是否行水隔离技术分为水隔离组和对照组,水隔离组为应用注水方法隔离肝脏及邻近结构后行MWA,37例患者47个肿瘤;对照组直接行MWA,65例患者75个肿瘤。比较两组治疗后1个月后影像学检查的肿瘤残存情况,并运用单因素、多因素、Cochran’s and Mantel-Haenszel(CMH)分层分析等方法分析肿瘤残存的影响因素。结果消融技术成功率100%,水隔离技术成功率97.9%。水隔离组与对照组残存率分别为6.5%、21.3%(P=0.03),单因素分析提示水隔离(P=0.03)、肿瘤大小(P<0.001)与肿瘤残存相关;logistic回归分析显示水隔离技术可显著降低肿瘤残存率[OR=0.202,95%CI(0.048~0.849),P=0.029],而肿瘤>3 cm显著增加肿瘤残存率[OR=18.449,95%CI(5.242~64.933),P<0.001]。CMH分层分析显示,相比肝继发恶性肿瘤、术前未行TACE治疗的肿瘤、非膈下(靠近胃肠实质脏器、单纯被膜下)肝被膜下肿瘤,肝脏原发肿瘤[OR=0.123,95%CI(0.015~1.019),P=0.025]、术前行TACE治疗的肿瘤[OR=0.123,95%CI(0.015~1.019),P=0.025]和膈下肝被膜下肿瘤[OR=0.081,95%CI(0.009~0.741),P=0.022]应用水隔离技术降低肿瘤残存率方面的作用更加明显。结论水隔离技术可显著降低肝被膜下恶性肿瘤MWA术后肿瘤残存率,尤其在原发性肝癌、术前行TACE治疗的肿瘤和膈下肝被膜下肿瘤中作用更为明显。     

肝动脉栓塞化疗联合射频消融与联合微波消融治疗原发性肝癌的疗效和安全性比较

目的 对比肝动脉栓塞化疗(TACE)联合射频消融(RFA)或联合微波消融(MWA)的近期局部疗效、安全性及生存率.方法 回顾性分析采用TACE联合RFA治疗或联合MWA治疗的原发性肝癌患者,比较两组术后AFP、肝功能、不良反应、并发症、术后3个月的影像学表现以及1年生存率情况.结果 射频联合组术后3个月边缘复发率9.8％,微波联合组23.7％,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);射频联合组术后AFP平均下降为(412.47±373.81) ng/ml,微波联合组平均下降为(278.72±269.20) ng/ml,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);术后射频联合组ALT平均升高至(81.22±49.50) U/L、AST平均升高至(93.71±50.94) U/L,微波联合组ALT平均升高至(139.53±97.77) U/L,AST平均升高至(181.43±140.16) U/L;两组ALT及AST对比有统计学意义(P＜0.001);两组术后不良反应无明显差异,射频联合组并发症1例,微波联合组并发症2例,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),两组术后均未出现与治疗相关的死亡病例,1年生存率无差异(P＞0.05).结论 TACE联合RFA或联合MWA的近期局部疗效、并发症及1年生存率无显著差异,但射频联合组术后比微波联合组术后肝功能损伤轻微.     

冷冻球囊消融与射频消融治疗阵发性心房颤动效果Meta分析

目的 系统评价冷冻球囊消融(CBA)对比射频消融(RFA)治疗阵发性心房颤动(PAF)的临床效果.方法 计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、Cochrane Library、Web of Knowledge、中国知网(CNKI)、中国生物医学文献(CBM)、中国万方(WanFang)和中国维普(VIP)等数据库,收集RFA与CBA治疗PAF相关随机对照试验(RCT)研究文献.检索时限均自建库至2015年12月.资料提取与质量评价由2名评价员各自独立完成.RevMan 5.2软件进行Meta分析.结果 共纳入6篇RCT研究文献(636例患者).Meta分析结果显示,与传统RFA相比,CBA增加了术后膈神经麻痹发生率(RR9.26,95％CI2.17～39.63,P=0.003),但手术时间(MD10.07,95％ CI-9.10～30.52,P=0.29)、X线透视时间(MD-0.18,95％CI-8.14～7.77,P=0.96)、随访12个月成功率(RR0.91,95％CI0.72～1.14,P=0.40)和房性心动过速(房速)、心房扑动(房扑)、房室折返性心动过速发生率(RR0.47,95％CI0.11～2.02,P=0.31)差异均无统计学意义.结论 与传统RFA相比,CBA治疗PAF在手术时间、X线透视时间、随访12个月成功率及房速、房扑、房室折返性心动过速发生率方面无明显差异,但能增加膈神经麻痹发生率.     

射频消融对TACE术后残余病灶的疗效分析

目的 评价射频消融(RFA)治疗TACE术后肝癌残余病灶的临床效果.方法 回顾分析采用RFA治疗TACE术后残余病灶的原发性肝癌31例,及同期采用多次TACE治疗的原发性肝癌43例,分别称为联合治疗组和TACE组.对两组的疗效、无进展生存期(PFS)、总生存期(OS)及不良反应进行综合对比研究.结果 联合治疗组的客观缓解率(87.1％)高于TACE组(65.1％),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);联合治疗组的mPFS(19个月)及mOS(33个月)均高于TACE组(mPFS 14.5个月,mOS 29个月),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 射频消融对TACE术后残余病灶有较好的临床疗效,可延长患者的无进展生存期及总生存期.     

MR早期评估肝癌微波消融范围的临床研究北大核心CSCD

目的应用MR早期评估经皮微波消融(MWA)肝脏肿瘤的消融范围。方法 2015年1月1日至2016年1月31日,46例肝脏肿瘤患者[55个病灶,平均直径(26.0±5.3)mm]行CT引导下经皮MWA治疗。消融后第2天,MR评估消融疗效,记录消融范围(长径×短径),与微波厂家提供的参考值进行对比分析,并对消融并发症进行记录分析(消融不足或过度)。结果术后第2天MR显示55个病灶均成功进行MWA治疗,无严重消融后即刻并发症发生。病例分布:60 W 5 min(n=4)、60 W 8 min(n=4)、60 W10 min(n=14)、70 W 8 min(n=4)、70 W 10 min(n=11)、80 W 10 min(n=18),对应的消融范围分别为41.3 mm×31.2 mm、52.0 mm×36.3 mm、51.5 mm×34.3 mm、52.9 mm×35.5 mm、56.8 mm×36.1 mm、64.0 mm×44.0 mm。相比参考值均偏大,其中80 W 10 min组差异最大(64.0 mm×44.0 mm比54.0 mm×37.0 mm,P<0.01)。未观察到消融不足病灶,可观察到过度消融病灶12个,主要表现为消融范围累及肝包膜或皮下肌层。结论术后MR早期复查可用于精准评估消融范围,本研究MWA作用范围比参考值大,术前精确预估消融范围有利于肿瘤的完全消融及提高消融的安全性。     

Thermal ablation

Image-guided tumor ablation refers to a group of treatment modalities that have emerged during the past 2 decades as important tools in the treatment of a wide range of tumors throughout the body. Although most widely recognized in the treatment of hepatic and renal malignancies, the role of thermal ablation has expanded to include lesions of the lung, breast, prostate, bone, as well as other organs and its clinical applications continue to increase. In the following article, we discuss the major thermal ablation modalities, their respective strengths and weaknesses, potential complications and how to avoid them, as well as possible future applications.     

Microwave ablation of liver metastases to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency ablation

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to evaluate technical success, effectiveness and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with unresectable liver metastases, where radiofrequency ablation (RFA) presents some limits.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five patients (17 men, 8 women) with 31 liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) were treated in a total of 29 sessions. Tumours were subdivided as follows: colorectal metastases (n=21) and no colorectal metastases (n=10). All procedures were performed percutaneously under ultrasound (US) guidance. Follow-up was performed with computed tomography (CT) scan at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment; mean follow-up period was 12.04 (range, 3–36) months. Technical success, mean disease-free survival, effectiveness and safety were evaluated.

Results

Technical success was obtained in all cases. Mean disease-free survival was of 20.5 months. Local recurrence was recorded in 12.9% of metastases treated (4/31). No major complications were recorded. The rate of minor complications was 44.8% (13/29 sessions). Mortality at 30 days was 0%.

Conclusions

Percutaneous MWA of liver metastases >3 cm or located near vessels (>3 mm) can be considered a valid and safe option, probably preferable to RFA. Further studies are required to confirm these encouraging initial results.     

Radiofrequency ablation of thoracic tumours: lessons learned with ablation of 100 lesions

Purpose

Our aim was to analyse the results of our first 100 radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures, of primary (nonsmall-cell lung cancers, NSCLC) and secondary (MTS) lung cancers to assess what lessons could be learned from our experience.

Materials and methods

We analysed 100 lesions (mean size 23 mm) in 81 patients (25 NSCLC/56 MTS). On the basis of the clinical–radiological evolution, we analysed complete ablation (CA) versus partial ablation (PA) at the first computed tomography (CT) scan and during the follow-up (mean 23 months), time to progression (TTP) and survival. Possible predictive factors for local effectiveness and survival were sought.

Results

At the first CT scan CA was obtained in 88 %; the difference between the mean diameter of lesions achieving CA and PA was significant (20 versus 38 mm; p = 0.0001). A threshold of 30 mm (p = 0.0030) and the histological type (NSCLC 75 %/MTS 94 %; p = 0.0305) were also predictive of CA. A total of 18.4 % of the CA recurred (average TTP 19 months). Survival at 1, 2 and 3 years was 84.5, 65.4 and 51.5 %, respectively. The predictors of survival at 3 years were the coexistence of other MTS (p = 0.0422) and a diameter <20 mm (p = 0.0323), but not the local effectiveness of RFA.

Conclusion

RFA for thoracic malignancies is accurate for lesions up to 30 mm, especially if metastatic; survival is more closely related to staging factors than to the local effectiveness of RFA.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma using microwave and radiofrequency ablation

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of thermal ablation for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using microwave and radiofrequency (RF) energy application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 190 nodules in 97 patients (84 male, 13 female; mean age 53.4 years, range 24-74 years) with HCC were treated with microwave or RF ablation in the last 4 years. The applicators were introduced into the tumours under conscious analgesic sedation by intravenous administration of fentanyl citrate and droperidol and local anaesthesia in both thermal ablation procedures. The patients were then followed up with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to evaluate treatment response. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Complete ablation was obtained in 92.6% (176/190) nodules. The complete ablation rates were 94.6% (106/112) in microwave ablation and 89.7% (70/78) in RF ablation. The complete ablation rates in tumours/=4.0 cm were 93.1, 93.8 and 86.4%, respectively. Local recurrence was found in 9.5% nodules and the rates in tumours/=4.0 cm in diameter were 3.4, 9.9 and 31.8%, respectively. In the follow-up period, 7.1% nodules ablated by microwave and 12.8% by RF presented local recurrence. The 1, 2 and 3-year distant recurrence-free survivals were 47.2, 34.9 and 31.0%, respectively. Estimated mean survival was 32 months, and 1, 2 and 3-year cumulative survivals were 75.6, 58.5, and 50.0%, respectively. One and 2 years survivals of Child-Pugh class A, B and C patients were 83.8 and 70.4%, 78.2 and 53.2%, 36.3 and 27.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thermal ablation therapy by means of microwave and RF energy application is an effective and safe therapeutic technique for hepatocellular carcinoma. Large tumours can be completely ablated, but have a significantly higher risk of local recurrence at follow-up.     

Image-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and incidence of post-radiofrequency ablation syndrome: prospective survey

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the incidence of post-radiofrequency (RF) ablation syndrome and determine its impact on the quality of life in the 10 days after percutaneous RF ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant. Informed consent was obtained for this survey in all patients by the interventional nurse coordinators. Thirty-six patients (20 men, 16 women; mean age, 69.3 years; range, 40-88 years) underwent RF ablation for 26 liver tumors and 17 renal tumors. Twenty control patients (11 men, nine women; mean age, 60.8 years; range, 35-76 years) underwent biopsy of focal liver lesions or renal lesions. With a standardized questionnaire, a telephone survey was conducted on days 1, 3, 5, and 10 after RF ablation or biopsy. The symptoms and interference with lifestyle were documented prospectively with a numeric intensity scale by using grades 0-10. Statistical analysis with Fisher exact test and analysis of variance was performed. RESULTS: After RF ablation, 15 (42%) patients developed low-grade fever (P < .001), 29 (81%) had flulike symptoms (P < .001), and four were asymptomatic. Symptoms peaked on day 3 and mainly resolved by day 10. Twelve (33%) patients had complete post-RF ablation syndrome: fever and flulike symptoms (P = .005). Flulike symptoms were more prolonged when they were accompanied with fever, peaked on day 5, and resolved more quickly for patients with renal lesions than they did for patients with liver lesions. Four patients had persistent fever caused by pneumonia (n = 2), pleural effusion and atelectasis (n = 1), or liver abscess (n = 1). No control patients developed both fever and flulike symptoms. Post-RF ablation patients with symptoms experienced significantly greater pain and interference with general and work activities, which peaked on day 1, than did control patients (P = .01 [pain], P < .001 [general and work activities]). CONCLUSION: Complete post-RF ablation syndrome occurs in approximately one-third of patients but is self-limiting within 10 days after the procedure. Persistent or late-onset fever may indicate concurrent infection elsewhere or possible abscess formation. Supplemental material: radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/237/3/1097/DC1     

Radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma: initial results with a bipolar ablation device

PURPOSE: To report the initial results with percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of osteoid osteomas with a bipolar ablation device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (seven male patients and five female patients; mean age, 17.3 years; age range, 6-36 y) with clinically and radiologically suspected osteoid osteoma were treated with computed tomography-guided percutaneous bipolar RF ablation. The procedure was performed with the patients under general anesthesia. After localization of the nidus, an 11-gauge hollow drill was introduced into the nidus through a 9-F introducer sheath. A bipolar 18-gauge RF probe with a 9-mm active tip was inserted through the introducer sheath and connected to the RF generator. Energy application was started at 2 W and subsequently increased to a maximum of 5 W. The procedure was terminated if a resistance of 900 Omega was reached. RESULTS: Mean duration of energy deposition was 8.3 +/- 4.0 minutes, with a mean energy application of 1.8 +/- 2.9 kJ (range, 0.3 - 7 kJ). In one patient, the intervention had to be repeated twice to achieve total pain relief. Eleven of 12 patients (92%) remained free of symptoms at a follow-up time of 15.1 +/- 9.5 months (range, 5 - 31 months). One patient had recurrence of pain 16 months after the procedure and was treated surgically. No complications occurred. Patients resumed normal activity within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous bipolar RF ablation is an efficient and safe treatment of osteoid osteoma. Short-term efficacy of bipolar RF ablation may rival the results of monopolar RF ablation. Further studies are needed to address the long-term efficacy of this technique.     

Radiofrequency ablation of renal tumors

Percutaneous thermal ablation is increasingly applied in the therapy of renal tumors. Various techniques are available, allowing a safe and accurate therapy of renal tumors either using hyperthermia such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) and microwave ablation (MW) or by hypothermia (cryoablation). As thermal ablation is a minimally invasive and nephron-sparing procedure, it is ideally suited for patients with a single kidney, multiple tumors or contraindications for resective surgery. Although cryotherapy is the most extensively studied technique, RFA has become the most accepted thermal ablation technique over the last years. Modern RFA probes allow ablation volumes between 2 and 5 cm in diameter. A major advantage of RFA is the ability to avoid tract bleeding and tumor seeding by coagulating the puncture channel during RF probe withdrawal. The increasing number of clinical reports on RFA of the kidney show the promising potential of renal RFA for minimally invasive tumor treatment. Due to its technical benefits, RFA seems to be advantageous when compared to cryoablation or laser ablation. However, there are no long-term follow-up or comparative data proving an equal effectiveness to surgery.     

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors

This article aims to review the state of the art in ablation techniques for hepatic lesions. In addition to discussing the indications, outcomes, and potential complications of the technique, we illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings after treatment. Recent years have seen the development of a wide variety of minimally invasive techniques to treat liver cancer. These include ethanol injection, and thermal ablation using radiofrequency, laser, microwaves, or cryosurgery. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is one of the most promising non-surgical treatments for hepatic neoplasms. The results of several studies show that radiofrequency ablation enables adequate local control of tumors with few complications, achieving acceptable survival rates. Radiofrequency ablation can be performed using any imaging technique, although it is most commonly performed under ultrasound guidance. CT and MRI show the degree of tumor necrosis better and are more frequently employed in follow up. This article reviews the indications and contraindications for the procedure, potential complications, long-term outcome, and imaging findings for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors.     

Radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary lesions

PURPOSE: Radiofrequency ablation uses the thermal energy produced by a generator to create a coagulative necrosis. The method is well established for the treatment of a variety of primary and secondary cancers of the liver but is less well studied for the treatment of lung malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2005 to March 2006, 11 patients (seven men and four women) with single or multiple pulmonary nodules underwent radiofrequency ablation of 12 unresectable pulmonary tumours. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after radiofrequency ablation. Lesions were evaluated for dimensions and contrast enhancement. RESULTS: Radiofrequency ablation was well tolerated by all patients. Postprocedural complications included four cases of pneumothorax treated with simple aspiration without tube placement and one case of small parenchymal haemorrhage. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation of primary or secondary pulmonary lesions is a safe and technically feasible option for the management of unresectable pulmonary malignancies.